The process of skincare nowadays is much more complex than it really should be. From viral beauty tips and product suggestions to conflicting and rapidly changing advice on the internet, it is no surprise that people end up doing more harm than good for their skin. Using too many products at once, playing around with harsh active ingredients, or following a skincare regime that is just not right for the person can result in more problems than benefits. Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be tiring and difficult. Instead, it should fit into your life and your skin type. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Aisshwarya Panddit, cosmetic doctor and founder of AuraEdge Aesthetic and Wellness, and Rachna Bahadur, founder of Flout gave practical ways to build a skincare routine.
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1. Recognise the true needs of your skin
According to Rachna, one needs to be aware of the true needs of his/her skin in order to create an effective skincare regimen. Different skin types behave differently, and Indian skin types, for example, may face specific problems like uneven skin tone, pigmentation, sensitivity, barrier damage, and problems related to pollution, humidity, and heat. Instead of trying out any trendy products and ingredients available, it will be better to identify the problems that your skin faces and try to solve them.
2. Fewer products but better ones
The number of steps in your skincare routine will not guarantee healthier skin. In many instances, an excessive layering process can irritate your skin and impair its barrier function. It is much better to construct your skincare routine with fewer high-quality products rather than layering too many products at once.
Dr Aisshwarya said, “Factors such as pigmentation, sensitivity, dryness, impaired skin barrier function, and uneven skin tone should have much higher importance while choosing skin care products than their popularity online.
3. Develop a workable skincare regimen
In skincare, the most important thing is that the process should be feasible and practical. For any routine to work, it should be realistic and fit into daily activities. Someone who travels frequently, spends a lot of time outdoors, works in an environment where there is air conditioning, and someone who is always stressed may require a different routine from the rest.
The climate, sleeping habits, screen usage, level of stress, and exposure to the environment affects how the skin acts. It is advisable to make the skincare routine fit the lifestyle.
4. Adopt consistency rather than inconsistency
Generally, healthy skin is created through consistency rather than aggressiveness and overnight results. The skin tends to respond positively to consistent skincare practices rather than aggressive or inconsistent methods. Daily hydration, protection against the sun, barrier protection, and treating any skin concerns consistently yield more positive results than aggressive and inconsistent skincare practices.
“Consistency still is the basis of having healthy skin. The benefits one can obtain from doing things regularly, like applying sunscreen, staying hydrated, and using the skincare products recommended to them, can be much more considerable than those from doing intensive sessions every now and then or changing their skincare products often,” said Dr Panddit.
5. Consider long-term skin well-being, not perfection
The aim of proper skincare is not to achieve flawlessly perfect skin. The idea should be keeping the skin healthy, strong, and functional regardless of any changes in conditions, stress, and aging. Healthy skin does not have to be poreless and smooth all the time, and striving for perfection can lead to unattainable expectations.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
